PLOT

One of the basic elements of every story: put simply, plot refers to the actual events that take place within the
bounds of your narrative.
Using our rhetorical situation vocabulary, we can identify “plot” as the primary subject of a descriptive personal
narrative.
In the book Discovering Literature, plot is defined as “the story line, the sequence of actions or events that gives
direction to the story as a whole.
When you study the plot, you focus on what drives, motivates, or shapes the story. Plot maps out the itinerary
(guide) that takes the reader to the conclusion.”

Plot can be divided into the following:

1. Beginning - initiating event

2. Exposition - Background information

3. Rising Action with conflict - the tension or problem experienced by character

4. Climax - the most intense part of the story

5. Falling action or resolution - how the tension or problem is resolved

6. Ending - completes the story

CHARACTERIZATION

This is the way a writer reveals a character

Poor characterization can make a character uninteresting, because that character may lack focus and clarity.

Two types of Characterization:

A. Direct
 If a writer tells you what a character is like, the method is called direct characterization.

Telling: The author describes the character through narration.

Narration will describe the character’s physical appearance, personality and thigs that motivate them.
Useful for giving broad details in a sentence or two.

Example:

Alia was tall and well dressed. She was happy to start her first day of work, and she was feeling confident.

B. Indirect

If the writer prefers to show characters in action, the method is called indirect characterization.

Showing: The author hints to the reader what the character is like by describing the character’s:
 Appearance
 Speech
 Thoughts and feelings
 Interactions with the other characters
Useful for developing complex characters through background and subtext.

Example:

Alicia slammed her fist on the table, “I want all of you out of my office now.” She tore the earnings report in half and
threw it into the trash.